In a splendid display of royalty and elegance, Crown Prince Ferdinand and Crown Princess Maria of Romania hosted a grand costume ball at the opulent Cotroceni Palace on March 4, 1897.
The illustrious event drew the attendance of 300 esteemed guests, among them King Carol, who graced the occasion clad in the resplendent uniform of a cavalry general, while Queen Elizabeth exuded grace and charm, adorned in the attire reminiscent of Dante.
The Crown Princess Marie and her sister, the esteemed Grand Duchess Vktoria Melita of Hesse (also known as Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, later Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna of Russia), were an epitome of regal beauty as they appeared in the fashion of princess Lointaine, adorned with exquisite jewelry that sparkled in the ambient light.
Notably, during the Coronation of Nikolas II in 1896, the Grand Duchess Victoria Melita of Hessen had adorned herself with a breathtaking emerald and diamond bandeau, embellished with enwinded wreaths and garland ornaments, transforming it into an enchanting tiara that adorned her head with grace and poise.
Regrettably, the Grand Duchess Victoria Melita later dismantled many of her precious jewels upon marrying the Grand Duke Kiril in 1905. As a result, an inventory of her jewelry was not available, leaving behind an air of mystery surrounding the details of the magnificent jewel workshop. It is believed that the creation might have originated from the renowned Kreuter Hanau or the esteemed Chaumet Paris, as their artistic sketches in the archives hint at similar designs, such as the Chokers adorned with wreaths and garlands.
Among the jewels of this captivating collection were the pear-shaped emeralds, possibly bestowed as part of a wedding gift on April 19, 1894, in the form of a resplendent emerald and pearl necklace.
A notable piece that caught the eye of many was the Antique cabochon emerald and diamond brooch, a timeless masterpiece crafted around 1860. This exquisite creation graced the bodice center of Crown Princess Marie, having previously belonged to the illustrious Grand Duchess Victoria Melita. The brooch, later sold from Princess Dorothea of Hesse, Princess Windisch-Graetz, was a true testament to the impeccable taste and refinement of the noble lineage.
In this majestic setting, where royalty and elegance entwined, the grand costume ball at Cotroceni Palace etched itself into history as a cherished memory of opulence and splendor.
